SBB upgrades international distribution systems

SWISS Federal Railways (SBB) announced on January 30 that it has selected Amadeus IT Group for a contract to deliver a new international distribution system with the aim of improving interfaces with other operators and simplifying cross-border rail travel.

SBB says it is currently directly connected to the distribution systems of German Rail (DB), French National Railways (SNCF), but it lacks direct interfaces with the systems of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Trenitalia. This means that SBB customers do not currently have access to the full range of fares offered by these operators.

The aim of the new system is to simplify the customer booking interface for international journeys, providing all available fares for all five operators.

SBB said Amadeus offered the best value-for-money in its bid, and the company will be responsible for the implementation, operation and development of the new rail integrator system with effect from March 1.